Sialography: a pictorial review.

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Otorhinolaryngology

Background:

• Non-tumour salivary gland pathologies like sialadenitis and sialolithiasis necessitate accurate radiological assessment.
• Conventional sialography is valuable for evaluating ductal system abnormalities and detecting non-radiopaque sialoliths.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the disease-specific applications of sialography and computed tomography (CT) sialography.
• To highlight the role of these imaging techniques in visualizing salivary gland disorders.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on conventional sialography and CT sialography for salivary gland evaluation.
• Discussion of diagnostic and therapeutic roles of sialography.
• Emphasis on the capabilities of CT sialography, including multiplanar 3D reconstructions.

Main Results:

• Conventional sialography effectively evaluates intrinsic and acquired ductal abnormalities and detects non-radiopaque sialoliths.
• CT sialography demonstrates high sensitivity for small sialoliths and differentiates them from other calcifications.
• 3D reconstructed CT images aid in precise anatomical localization and assessment of disease extent.

Conclusions:

• Sialography and CT sialography are crucial for precise radiological evaluation and mapping of salivary gland ductal systems.
• CT sialography offers advanced visualization and diagnostic accuracy for salivary gland pathologies.
• These techniques improve treatment outcomes for inflammatory and obstructive salivary gland disorders.